Envelope containing a bullet and threatening messages delivered to Valditara

An envelope containing a bullet and a threatening letter was sent in recent weeks to the Minister for Education, Giuseppe Valditara; the anonymous envelope was sent from Salerno to the Ministry’s headquarters in Rome. The letter alleges, amongst other things, alleged irregularities in the awarding of diplomas by certain private schools. A 7.65-calibre bullet was also enclosed. A complaint has now been lodged with the Carabinieri, who are investigating the case. Messages of solidarity have come not only from the political sphere but also from the trade union movement, including the FLC CGIL, with whom relations have not always been smooth for the minister in charge of the department on Viale Trastevere. “A bullet and a threatening letter,” stated the Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, “are cowardly acts of intimidation that have no place in a democracy. We have confidence in the work of the police to shed full light on what happened and in a clear and unanimous condemnation from all political parties.” Just two days ago, a mannequin depicting the Minister of Education had been displayed in one of the windows on the façade of the Liceo Minghetti in Bologna, on the first day of term. The Osa collective had claimed responsibility for the act. “The government is the enemy of education,” said the activists, who, amidst chants and smoke bombs, also displayed a banner reading: “The future is not set in stone; let’s seize it. Let’s reject war, racism and imperialism.”

Today, messages of solidarity for the head of the Ministry of Education, Universities and Research (MIM) have come from all ministers, starting with his colleague from the Ministry of Universities, Anna Maria Bernini, as well as from numerous regional presidents and many political parties across the ruling coalition and the opposition, including Vannacci’s Futuro Nazionale and representatives of the PD, M5S and IV. At the forefront, of course, is the Lega, the minister’s party. “The Lega, both on the ground and in Parliament and in government, is continuing without hesitation in its work to restore dignity, resources and safety to the world of education. No bullet will stop the commitment and the reforms we are pushing forward for teachers, pupils and families,” said Tilde Minasi, deputy vice-president of the Lega in the Senate.
Solidarity has also come from all the education trade unions. “Violence, threats and the culture of hate have no place in public debate and undermine the democratic principles on which our Republic is founded,” said the leader of the FLC CGIL, Gianna Fracassi. Later that evening, the minister expressed her heartfelt thanks to “all those who have shown me solidarity and support”.